Volunteer with Us

Volunteering with UPD!

Each year, Urbana Park District volunteers record thousands of hours leading programs and helping out in district parks and facilities.

Urbana Park District volunteers make it possible to provide the level of service we do by helping staff maximize the number of residents we can serve through recreation programs and by ensuring high-quality parks through stewardship efforts.

Community Program and Engagement Coordinator, Jacob Johnston, can help you find a volunteer opportunity that matches your skills and schedule. Call 217-367-1544 (ext. 311).

Complete A Volunteer Application

Fill out this volunteer application and consent for criminal background check to get started. Email completed application to Jacob Johnston. Please note that applications must have a wet-ink signature to be considered.

Current and Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

8th Annual Crystal Lake Park Art Fair

Saturday August 1 & Sunday 2, 2026

Crystal Lake Park will be transformed with local and regional art vendors that will set up along the park road next to the large pavilion and the Lake House at Crystal Lake Park (206 W. Park) and feature paintings, textiles, ceramics, photography, jewelry, glass, mixed media and much more! Shop from over 40 regional and local artists!

Please click HERE to view our signup list and consider helping out if you're able! For any questions, please email Jacob Johnston.

Central Illinois Bat Festival

Saturday September 26, 2026

Tabling exhibits and activities will take place from 1:00-4:00pm at the Anita Purves Nature Center. Nighttime events are at the Crystal Lake Boat House from 5:30-8:30pm. Last year's festival attracted 1,000+ people and we expect this or a larger turnout.

Please CLICK HERE to complete the Volunteer Recruitment Form if you are interested in helping out this year.

FRESH Crew Teen Volunteer Stewardship Days

*T-Shirts will be provided*

Responsibilities: Assist in invasive plant removal, planting native plants, community garden maintenance, harvesting, park clean ups and more in local areas and parks.

Time Commitment: First Saturday of the month from 2-4pm. Please contact us for a full list of opportunities.

Skills Needed: None required but this is a great opportunity for teens to get involved in the community, gain new skills, and obtain professional references. Guardians must complete this Volunteer Waiver and email it to Connor Ross or, if day of, print it and bring to the site.

Getting Involved: For dates follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook. For any questions, call 217-384-4062.

Environmental Programs Volunteer

Do you love being outdoors and want to share your passion for the environment? Environmental Programs Volunteers help with school field trips, Forest School, and other public programs and special events.

Hone your natural history knowledge and leadership skills, and make a difference to thousands of children who engage in environmental education programs each year. Share the excitement of teaching while exploring Busey Woods, Weaver park, and Meadowbrook Park's Spomer Prairie.

No experience required, but applicants must pass a background check. For more information, call 217-384-4062.

UrVANa Mobile Recreation Volunteer

UrVANa is the Urbana Park District's mobile recreation unit that travels throughout the Urbana community to bring park district activities directly to our residents, free-of-cost; including but not limited to crafts, sports, music, environmental education, sensory and wellness activities. UrVANa appearances frequently take place on weekends and evenings and require a team of volunteers and staff to help with event setup and tear-down, to engage with the general public (often children) in various recreational settings, and to represent the Park District's "You Belong Here" values through actions and conversations.

Getting Involved: Please contact Jameel Jones, 217-367-1544, with any questions or interest in the role.

Note: Applicants must pass a background check prior to volunteering with UrVANa.

Natural Areas Tuesdays & Wednesday Workdays

During these two-hour sessions you might plant trees or flowers, collect or scatter seed, remove nuisance plants, maintain trails, and pick up trash as needed.

General Timeframe: Most Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 9am to 11am, unless otherwise stated in email announcements.

July Dates:

Tuesday, July 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 9:00 to 11:00 AM (Drop in anytime)

Location: Weaver Park (park in the Health & Wellness Center lot, 2002 E. Washington Street)

Wednesday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Time: 9:00 to 11:00 AM (Drop in anytime)

Location: Perkins Wet Prairie (1505 Perkins Road. Take the dirt road directly west of the Dog Park and park in the circle drive at the end of the road)

Here is a list of possible natural areas activities during the month of July:

Cutting woody invasives
Collecting trash
Removing sweet clover and purple vetch
Detasseling Canada goldenrod and reed canary grass

We will supply the tools, or you may bring your own. Please bring water for yourself.

It is tick season! The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) provides comprehensive tick prevention resources to help mitigate risks.

Getting Involved: Email Kathy Wicks to join the email list for weekly location announcements.

Become a Natural Areas Site Steward

Want to help nature and the environment but don't know how? Email Matt Balk with your favorite Urbana Park District natural area, and we can match you with a project. Year-round opportunities are available, from nature observer to nuisance plant remover. No experience necessary.